10 Things You Should Buy at Costco

As a trained journalist and bargain shopper, Marcelle writes articles to help consumers navigate smart deals.

Costco’s success formula is no secret. As the second-largest retailer in the U.S., sales have grown 54 percent in the last five years despite a lackluster economy. Consumers give Costco's reputation high marks. According to The Harris Poll's 2016 Reputation Quotient Ratings, Costco's ranks up there with the likes of The Walt Disney Company, Apple and Amazon. Members are loyal with more than 90 percent of U.S. customers renewing their memberships.

Costco runs a “no frills”, member-based operation purchasing large quantities, keeping product markups at 15 percent or less, and providing additional value with its in-house Kirkland brand. While product assortment is selective and often fleeting, there are some regularly stocked items that are a must buy. The list below highlights ten of the many great values available at Costco, including Kirkland and Kirkland Signature branded products.

Source

1. Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo and Moisture Conditioner

The quality of this Kirkland Signature hair care duo is reminiscent of high-end salon brands. It is sulfate-free, paraben-free, vegan, gluten-free, no animal testing, and is safe for color treated hair. Its quality and performance have been compared to Pureology’s Hydrate shampoo and conditioner, a pricey salon brand. It's also a superb value. The chart below compares prices on moisturizing shampoos and conditioners for salon brands, drugstore brands and Costco's product. (Note: Brand prices listed are from retailer Ulta.)

Kirkland Shampoo and Conditioner have been compared to high-end brands such as Pureology.

Shampoo & Conditioner Price Comparison

(click column header to sort results)

Product

Size

Price

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

1 liter

$62.00

Pureology Hydrate Conditioner

1 liter

$64.00

EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System Intense Nourishing Shampoo

8.5 oz

$6.99

EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System Intense Nourishing Conditioner

8.5 oz

$6.99

Healthy Sexy Hair Color Safe Soy Moisturizing Shampoo

1 liter

$25.95

Healthy Sexy Hair Color Safe Soy Moisturizing Conditioner

1 liter

$27.95

Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo

1 liter

$9.99

Kirkland Signature Moisture Conditioner

1 liter

$7.49

2. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The quality and value of this product is exceptional. A study by The Olive Center at the University of California-Davis found that the Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil was one of just five in the study that had not been combined with cheaper, refined olive oil. At about $10 per liter, this Kirkland product is a bargain. Other well-known brands, some of which failed in the study, cost double or even much more.

Note:Costco's Signature Balsamic Vinegar is a quality product and great value too.

Kirkland Signature Olive Oil is an exceptional buy.

3. Wine

Two things set Costco’s wine assortment apart – selection and price. Costco is the largest retailer of fine wine in the U.S. According to Consumer Reports, Costco wine is an exceptional value, ranking its 2011 Kirkland Sonoma Chardonnay ($7) as a Consumer Reports Best Buy.

Costco collaborates with specific winemakers and wineries around the world to create custom blends for its Kirkland Signature wines. The wines are offered in tiered categories that denote quality and value: Premium, Super Premium, and Signature Series.

Here’s the best news! You don’t need to be a Costco member to purchase wine or liquor from its warehouses due to a law that prohibits selling alcohol through members-only agreements. Simply tell the warehouse greeter that you are there to purchase alcohol.

Wine can be purchased without a Costco membership in most states.

4. Pet Products

According to a Consumer Reports analysis, Costco’s Kirkland Signature pet food is among the least expensive in this product category. Savings on national branded pet food, such as Iams, can be found as well. Costco carries a broad assortment of pet products at savings over pet retailers and even online retailers. Other pet products found at warehouses include treats, toys, bedding, and pet health products.

Don’t forget the Costco Pharmacy, which carries a full-line of pet medications offered at considerable savings over drug stores and veterinarian offices.

Source

5. Kirkland Bath Tissue

Bath tissue is a top selling product at Costco warehouses. The company recently improved their Kirkland Signature bath tissue product by upgrading its softness, absorbency and durability. At less than half the cost per square foot of leading national brands, in a price survey by the warehouse, it is undeniably a great value. The savings from purchasing this product alone throughout the year for your family could likely pay for your Costco membership fee.

Don't spend extra on brand-name toilet tissue when the Kirkland brand is comparable in quality but for a fraction of the price.

6. Tires

Purchasing new tires at a warehouse club will save you up to 20 percent off automotive store prices. Included with a Costco tire installation is free pressure checks, tire balancing, tire rotations, and flat tire repairs. The best perk . . you can shop at the warehouse while Costco installs your tires.

Save on tires and get them services while you shop.

7. Produce

Take caution before purchasing bulk quantities of produce so that half or more won't end up in the garbage. You might not need a dozen oranges but a bulk size of organic strawberries might be in order if you are making a strawberry pie. If you have a large family and enjoy many servings of fruits and vegetables, there are great values in this product category. Look for organic offerings too as the savings for this category of produce are even greater compared to organic prices in grocery stores.

Costco is expanding its assortment of organic produce and keeping the great savings.

8. Fitness Clothing

The global sports apparel market is expected to grow to $178 billion by 2019, according to research firm Trefis.1 Fitness apparel specialty stores have popped up over the last several years to meet this growing demand, including Lululemon and Athleta. Much of the growth in this clothing line is due in part to the desire to wear fitness apparel outside the gym and to the boom of yoga and specialty exercise classes such as CrossFit.

Many fashion retailers, such as Forever 21 and The Gap, have stepped into the fitness apparel market with their own clothing lines in stores and online. Warehouse clubs like Costco are seizing this market as well. Prices for fitness clothing vary significantly from store to store but at Costco, members can purchase this apparel at a fraction of the prices at many retail stores. While the selection is not extensive, the assortment is broad. Some of the fitness apparel items members can purchase at Costco include running shorts, tennis skirts, fitness tops, jackets, and yoga pants. Costco also carries a limited selection of athletic shoes.

Fitness clothes are a bargain at Costco.

9. Kirkland Signature Coffee Pods

In the world of coffee sales, the single-cup coffee market is growing leaps and bounds. Sales of single-cup coffee have tripled in recent years and continue to grow. Single-cup coffee pods offer convenience but are not cheap. One coffee pod can cost up to a dollar, with most pods cashing in at about 60 to 70 cents per pod. At Costco, you can purchase several brands of coffee pods at a savings but the Kirkland Signature coffee pods are the best value at about 33 cents per pod online and slightly less at warehouses. The Kirkland Signature coffee pods (along with other brand name pods) are on sale frequently for even less. Costco offers two coffee pod flavors: Pacific Bold and Breakfast Blend.

Coffee pods are expensive but are much more affordable when you purchase the Kirkland brand.

10. Costco Executive Membership

Costco Executive members pay $120 for a yearly membership (compared to $60 for a standard membership) and account for about two-thirds of the company’s sales. If you are a frequent Costco shopper, you could easily makeup the additional $60 in membership fees.

Benefits include 2 percent cash back on most Costco purchases in the form of a merchandise certificate (see hint below) along with additional perks and savings on other products and services, such as travel. If you are a frequent Costco shopper and loyal to the Kirkland brand, an executive membership might be worth it.

Think back to your last Costco shopping trip and ask yourself, how often do you shop at Costco? If you shop weekly, you would need to spend about $53 per week at each shopping trip to recover the additional membership amount, or about $229 per month. This does not include bigger ticket purchases you might make from Costco, such as a family vacation, new tires, a flat-screen television, or perhaps a Kirkland Signature patio furniture set. In these scenarios, that 2 percent back could easily pay for your entire membership with a surplus merchandise credit to spend. Hint: If you earn a Costco merchandise certificate, you don't need to spend the full amount at Costco. They will give you change back in cash no matter the amount.

What's Your Most Frequent Costco Purchase?

Sources

1Sherman, Lauren. "For the Activewear Market, There's No Way But Up - BoF - The Business of Fashion." The Business of Fashion, 15 Jan. 2014. Web. <http://www.businessoffashion.com/2014/01/activewear-lululemon-nike-hm-sweaty-betty.html>.

Comments

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AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

9 days ago

Thank you so much for your additional items. It's hard to keep it to just ten and you are correct that items rotate ongoing based on what moves. There gas is definitely up there on the list. Thanks!

Mom2Laney

9 days ago

Just found this site today. Thanks for the tips. I will add a few

1. If you want your Costco to carry something you can fill out a card. If enough people request an item, the will stock it.

I questioned them a few years ago and was told they only carry items that move. If a product starts to lag they will discontinue it IN THAT STORE. That is why you can find some items in one store but not at another store.

2. You don't need to go with a member. They will give you a one day pass. You can probably only do that once because they have very good IT and I would guess they could see that you already did it and would not let you keep doing it.

3. The gas prices are the BEST.

They are consistently about 40 cents a gallon below the other gas stations in California. Saving over $4 each time you fill your tank is nothing to sneeze at. I remember gas wars back in the 1960s and 1970s when we would look for 2 - 4 cent discounts.

To know you will always get a great price gives you peace of mind to drive to your Costco. You don't need to price shop gas stations.

4. They used to carry Reviva Calcium and D3 liquid supplement and then I could not find it any more. I buy it from Costco On-line with free shipping. Love it. My calcium and D3 levels are now back to normal.

5. For people who don't have a Costco close by check out the on-line store.

Thank you for this info. I am a loyal Costco shopper for many years. Only problem now after moving to FL. The closest one is almost an hour away. I do make the trip especially for Kirkland paper towels, dish washer soap, etc. love everything about Costco. Hoping they will open closer to where I live, they have been talking about it for years. Been buying my glasses there too, for the last 25 years!

Savannah

16 months ago

Produce bags are a lifesaver if you buy bulk fruits and veggies and have a small family. They extend the life of your produce by WEEKS.

Kara

18 months ago

Be careful with the costco brand pet food. The dry food is known to cause sickness in many dogs.

Dino Matucci

22 months ago

I have tried many different brands of Albacore and have always been totally satisfied with Kirkland .. .Note: Albacore is the only Tuna that can be labelled "White, by the F.D.A. There cans are solidly pack and very tasty..If you like a more fishery taste,then buy the Skip Jack" Tuna...

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

2 years ago

Thanks, ClayR! I am going to try that on my next trip there. Costco has so much great stuff at reasonable prices that I could easily expand this list to 100 plus items.

clayR

2 years ago

Get the Avacado Oil! Amazing stuff, as healthy as Olive Oil, light to almost no taste but with a very high smoke temperature unlike Olive Oil (and even higher than vegitable oil) making it a great all around cooking oil. Costco is the only place that sells it at a reasonable price.

Sue C.

2 years ago

Hearing Aids are the best bought at Costco. My husband saved thousands and is getting the best care ever. He will never go elsewhere for his hearing aids!

oandc

2 years ago

I love the Kirkland Colombia ground coffee. Best coffee

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

3 years ago

Thank you, Peg! So glad I could give you some suggestions on things to buy and really, this could be a list of 50 things or more. I've heard great things about that pet food. We use the Kirkland dog food with the salmon and sweet potato mix and our dog loves it and her coat looks great. I agree about the coffee too. I love that it's such a great deal too.

Peg Cole

3 years agofrom Dallas, Texas

These tips are excellent reasons to shop at Costco. We are members and love the value and quality of the produce and the other merchandise, including the wine. You've detailed some of the great deals here. We're headed over there today and I'm going to pick up the Olive Oil. We also buy the Kirkland brand of No Grain Dog Food and their whole bean coffee It's actually better than Starbuck's. Up, Useful and Interesting.

Congratulations on the Hub of the Day award. Well done.

Kenneth Avery

4 years agofrom Hamilton, Alabama

Dear My Bell,

You are so sweet and warm as to leave me such a tender reply. And I do appreciate you following me. I cherish YOU and all of my followers. I wish I had the monetary-means to take you and all of my followers on a two-month cruise and pay-off all of your bills.

"It is better to give than to receive."

You keep up the great work and I will be around if you should ever need my help.

Kenneth,

Your Friend for Life

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thank you so much, Kenneth, for your thoughtful and honest comments. It means a lot to me coming from a seasoned journalist and hubber. I have a journalism background but have been busy raising kids for some time so am just getting back to it. I'm grateful for all the encouragement and praise I receive from other hubbers and will definitely keep it up. I will definitely be checking out some of your many quality hubs. Thanks!

Kenneth Avery

4 years agofrom Hamilton, Alabama

My Bell,

I love this hub. And here are the reasons why:

1. This is an excellent piece of writing. Honestly, it is amazing.

2, I loved every word.

3. Graphics, superb.

4. This hub was helpful, informative and very interesting.

5. Voted Up and all of the choices.

6. I loved your topic of this hub.

(Sorry, I couldn't vote in your slot. I have no Costco near my hometown. Just wanted to be honest).

You are certainly a gifted writer. Keep the great hubs coming.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Avery, Hamilton, Alabama

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thank you all! Yes, Kirkland is the brand name for Costco's products (similar to Great Value at Walmart or Simple Truth at Kroger). Glad to hear about the other product suggestions. I could have easily expanded this list to 20 or more items.

Theo

4 years agofrom GeekTech

Definitely would agree. Just a heads up for those that are wondering, you should not buy hearing aid batteries from Costco. The Kirkland brand is just awful compared to some of the leading.

Solaras1

4 years ago

Great article - I can attest to the quality of their dog food. My dogs have been on it for 8 weeks and still have shiny, healthy coats! Can't wait for my executive points to give me a free bag of food!

dragonflycolor

4 years ago

Congratulations on your HOTD award. I do have a question though. Is Kirkland the brand name of all these products or is it Costco's equivalent to Walmart's Great Value brand? I do not shop at Costco, so I was inquiring! Thanks!

Jack Burton

4 years agofrom The Midwest

If I remember correctly an executive club member who pays the $110 fee will get the difference refunded at the end of the year if their savings don't total enough money. You do have to be careful though about getting the membership towards the end of the year because there might be some restrictions on that refund.

Liz Elias

4 years agofrom Oakley, CA

Congrats on HOTD!! Well done!

We used to have a membership, but for just my husband and I, the savings on the very few things we wanted to buy that we could use up the larger quantities, (mainly the 6-pack of canned green beans--hubby's favorite vegetable), and 3-pack of A-1 steak sauce (believe it or not, we use it on macaroni & cheese!), did not add up to enough to pay for the membership, which at that time was $10 less than it is now.

We are currently on an even tighter budget, so things like shampoo come from the dollar store...$6 or $7 for a bottle of shampoo is well over budget.

However, for my daughters, one with 2 growing girls, an active lifestyle and still-employed husband, and the other, with a teenage son still at home, the Costco membership pays off well for them.

Voted up, interesting and useful.

RTalloni

4 years agofrom the short journey

Congrats on your Hub of the Day award. I've shopped at what is called the busiest Costco located just below Vancouver in Bellingham WA. If you're in the area, believe the rumor and go to Everett's Costco! The thing I hate is having to wait in line again to leave the store after standing in line to make a legal purchase, but it lets me exercise the virtue of patience….

Jim

4 years agofrom Kansas

Wouldn't have thought of wince, but I'm in.

Mary Beth Granger

4 years agofrom O'Fallon, Missouri, USA

Excellent hub...we are fairly new Costco customers and are finding our way around which products we like. Their vitamins and Omeprazole are good bargains.

Barbara Badder

4 years agofrom USA

We had a membership a few years back. The location is a little far for us. Some of the Kirkland brands were better quality than the name brand products I bought at the super markets. If their canned tuna is as good now as it was back then, you need to try it.

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thank you Deal, Hollywood, Relationshipc, and Susan! Costco is so awesome. I probably should do a follow-up article for 10 more items.

Susan Zutautas

4 years agofrom Ontario, Canada

Firstly congrats on your hub being chosen as HOTD!

In the city where I live they are bringing in a Costco. I can hardly wait as I love shopping there.

Kari

4 years agofrom Alberta, Canada

We don't have a Costco membership, but my parents do. They always get us toilet paper from there, which we don't mind. And, they get us hummus from there as well, which we love! It's the Sabra brand, and it is so much cheaper from there than from anywhere else.

John Hollywood

4 years agofrom Hollywood, CA

Very informative post and really all very true! Congratz on your hub being featured as the Hub of the Day! You deserve it :)!!!

Sam Deal

4 years agofrom Earth

It's true, you can get great deals on tires and olive oil at Costco. I've never tried the shampoos but will keep it in mind next time. Congrats!

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thank you Robin, Ally, Sarah & Dbro! I feel very honored to have this article chosen for HOTD. I do know about how well Costco treats their employees and I do indeed believe that is why the service there is always super and the employees are smiling. Sarah - do show this article to your husband. Costco has saved my family money on purchases and it's also a super fun place to shop.

Dbro

4 years agofrom Texas, USA

Great hub, My Bell! My family and I are avid Costco shoppers, but I hadn't considered the shampoo and conditioner. I will definitely give it a try. Another plus about Costco is the way they treat their employees, which outpaces the other major retailer (which shall remain nameless). I don't know if it's because of the benefits their employer offers, but I find the Costco employees to always be pleasant and helpful. Maybe Costco is just good at finding quality people to employ.

Again, great hub, and congratulations on the Hub of the Day honor!

Sarah Switalski

4 years agofrom Iowa

Congrats on HotD! We have a Costco about 30 minutes away from us. I've visited as a guest of my friend before but my husband doesn't agree when I say we should get our own membership. I think even monthly visits would make up for the membership and price of gas. I will have to show the husband this article!

Ally Lewis

4 years agofrom Pittsburgh, PA

Congrats on HotD! My parents practically live in Costco and this information will definitely be useful to them. I'll be sure to pass it on, thanks!

Robin

4 years agofrom USA

Terrific list. Congrats on HotD.

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thank you Hankscita and Flourish!

FlourishAnyway

4 years agofrom USA

I'm back to say congratulations on HOTD!

Sandy

4 years agofrom Florida

I didn't know you could buy wine or alcohol without a membership. Great tip, and congrats on the Hub of the day!

Kate Loving Shenk

4 years agofrom Lancaster PA

I love the B 12 dissolvable tabs from Costco--and as someone mentioned, the optical service is excellent. The Cuban Organic coffee is to die for!!

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thank you, Lupine, for your kind comments.

lupine

4 years agofrom Southern California (USA)

One of the best hubs, useful and informative. Any tips on stretching our dollars are very welcome.

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thank you all for your wonderful comments and other product suggestions. So many great bargains at Costco! Thank you too for any and all who voted for this article for the Rising Star accolade. I feel so honored to have received this award and so grateful to the entire Hubpage community.

Catherine Giordano

4 years agofrom Orlando Florida

I enjoyed your article. I'm one of those loyal Costco shoppers.

twoseven

4 years agofrom Madison, Wisconsin

I love Costco too for all the same reasons. Great list of the top 10 things to buy at Costco. I also echo the recommendation to use their optical services. I order my contacts there now and they are cheaper than anywhere else I can find. The only hassle is you have to order them in person and then go back to pick up in person.

If I had to add additional items I'd add their coffee beans, organic butter, and organic eggs. All are easily half off what you would pay elsewhere.

NUTS-- that's not an expletive, I like to buy almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans and mixed nuts, much cheaper per pound at Costco than supermarkets. Yes, of course you buy large containers, but they keep very well in the refrigerator.

Copy paper for your computer printer is also a good buy.

Though I don't use their pharmacy, I understand that prescriptions can be a bargain there. It is also one of the items that does not require a membership for purchase.

Lela

4 years agofrom Somewhere near the center of Texas

I agree that the Executive Level member ship is the way to go. But I do not like the Kirkland brand toilet tissue. I wait for the coupon sale on the name brand ultra soft instead.

Nicolette Goff

4 years agofrom British Columbia

Definitely the olive oil and I'd include the avocado oil, too. And the executive card level - pays for itself!

FlourishAnyway

4 years agofrom USA

Great information to have. I have both a Costco and Sam's Club near me but currently don't belong to either. This may tip the scale.

Jackie Lynnley

4 years agofrom The Beautiful South

Great info to know; thanks for sharing. Cactus too! lol

AUTHOR

Marcelle Bell

4 years ago

Thanks for the comments and for the optical suggestion. Since I had Lasik several years back, I no longer need glasses thankfully, but I remember how pricey eyeglasses and contacts were. Either would be a super deal at Costco. I could probably easily expand this list to 20 or more items!

cactusbythesea

4 years agofrom Seattle

Great list!! I also recommend their optical services. You can see a doctor and get a prescription for a very affordable price, even if you don't have vision insurance. Costco doesn't have a huge range of frames, but you can use the prescription somewhere else, including online.

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